More than 4,000 cases: When coverage slips.
The United States declared measles eliminated in 2000. In 2026, it is spreading again.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US has reported more than 4,000 confirmed measles cases this year, with 42 new outbreaks across the country. Nearly all cases are linked to outbreaks, as the virus moves through communities where vaccination coverage has slipped. Measles has been reported in every week since early 2025, putting the country’s elimination status at risk.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. Up to 9 in 10 unprotected people who come into close contact with someone with measles become infected. When vaccination coverage drops, measles can return, even in countries that once eliminated it.
Progress worth protecting.
Africa shows what strong vaccination can achieve. Measles vaccination has averted nearly 20 million deaths across the continent since 2000, according to the first continent-wide analysis by WHO’s African office and Gavi, reported by Africa CDC. But Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, has warned that progress is “uneven, and even slowing, leaving too many children unprotected.”
Closing the gap in Nigeria.
Nigeria has the highest number of zero-dose children in Africa. About 2.2 million children have never received a single routine vaccine, and first-dose measles coverage is about 56%, far below the 95% needed to stop transmission. The vaccines exist; the challenge is reaching every child. LunaVax’s planned Phase III study will evaluate a needle-free measles-rubella microarray patch (MR-MAP) in routine care across urban, peri-urban and outreach settings in four Nigerian states, alongside biometric verification to strengthen vaccination records.
Designed to be heat-stable and easy to administer, patches like these could help extend vaccine access to children still beyond the reach of routine immunization. Measles anywhere is a risk everywhere. Closing coverage gaps is how we keep it from coming back.
More than 4,000 confirmed cases and 42 new outbreaks reported this year.
Source: CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks, Oct 2026 →